A tissue embedding cassette has a box defining an inner cavity. A shield has a transparent plate body, the shield for being applied against a surface of the box. Complementary connectors for the shield to be held against the surface of the box. An assembly for a tissue embedding cassette of the type having a box defining an inner cavity may include a lid adapted to be operatively connected to the box, the lid opening and closing access to the inner cavity of the box. A shield has a transparent plate body, the shield configured for being applied against a surface of the box. Complementary connectors on the lid and/or the shield, for the shield to be held against the surface of the box.